Does using Shared Vision Planning guarantee an acceptable outcome amongst all stakeholders?
A. Definitely not, but it might be the best approach for building potential consensus. Because of all reasons discussed above and on other pages on this web site, Shared Vision Planning will help stakeholders reach agreement on the facts and have an effective dialogue about their preferences and values. The process will also help planners formulate alternatives that better meet the objectives of the stakeholders. The benefits make consensus more likely, but they cannot guarantee it because sometimes there are value differences that cannot be resolved. In those cases, agency decision-makers are left with making a tough choice. But at least the Shared Vision Planning process can provide them with detailed information on objectives, impacts and preferences. This should help decision-makers to produce a quality, informed decision.
